MEMORANDUM
October 17, 2007
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Campus Community
Gary Abramson, Chairman, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Orientation and Early Fall 2007 Meeting Summary
The Board of Trustees met on campus Thursday and Friday, September 27–28, as the first
meeting of the 2007–2008 academic year. Orientation for new and returning trustees took
place on Thursday and included an orientation to board culture, history, and operations; a
lunch meeting with the deans; a tour of campus; and an informal student panel. New trustees
are: Gina F. Adams, corporate vice president, government affairs, FedEx Corporation; Marc
N. Duber, executive vice president and chief operating officer, The Bernstein Companies;
C.A.D. “Dan” Gasby, chairman, B.Smith Enterprises; Alan L. Meltzer, chief executive
officer, The Meltzer Group; student trustee Marc Tomik; and faculty trustee Gary Weaver,
professor of international communications, School of International Service.
On Friday, the board elected Marc Tomik as the student trustee and approved a five-year
contract for president Neil Kerwin. Dr. Kerwin announced the start of nationwide searches
for provost, vice president of development, and a senior administrator for marketing and
communications. Dr. Kerwin said he would assemble a university-wide search committee for
the provost and consult with executive recruitment firms on that search as well as the other
two. In addition, along with his announcement of a search for a new head of university
marketing and communications, Dr. Kerwin discussed a restructuring of those functions.
President Kerwin also announced he would begin a university-wide strategic planning effort.
He reviewed with the board his initial thoughts on subjects to be covered by the plan and on
developing an inclusive, participatory process.
Among its decisions, the board accepted and approved the external audit of the university’s
financial statement for the year ending April 30, 2007, and approved the financial statement
itself. The board authorized the administration to proceed with construction of the new SIS
building. In addition, the board approved some clarifying amendments to the bylaws as well
as the establishment of a committee on external relations.
According to the new committee’s charter, the committee “…is responsible for oversight
from the board’s perspective of university initiatives, programs, and resources intended (1) to
enhance public understanding and appreciation of the university, (2) to improve the
university’s reputation for the quality and distinctiveness of its academic, athletic, service,
and cultural programs, (3) to communicate the university’s perspective and position on issues
concerning it and higher education, and (4) to advocate for the university before
governmental and other public bodies.”
Finally, the board approved the appointment of officers and members of board committees
for 2007–2009 and requested the administration provide additional information at a future
board meeting on the responsibilities of the trustees as license holders for WAMU 88.5.
The next board meeting will be Thursday and Friday, November 15–16, 2007.